Faculty of Applied Biological Science / Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology / The United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Gifu University

Molecular Microbiology

Laboratory of Microbial Chemistry, Gifu University
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Exploring biomembrane lipid function through yeast molecular genetics
Gifu University, Laboratory of Microbial Chemistry Molecular Microbiology

About Us

Our group moved from Kyushu University to Gifu University in October 2023.

Cells maintain their structure and function through biological membranes composed of diverse lipids. However, the reason why membrane lipids have such remarkable structural diversity remains incompletely understood.

Using budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model organism, our laboratory aims to clarify the relationship between lipid structural diversity and cellular function through molecular genetics. We are especially interested in the biological roles of sphingolipids.

Keywords: Lipid biochemistry, yeast molecular genetics, biomembranes, sphingolipids, ceramides
Prospective students are welcome.

Students interested in lipid biology, membrane biology, or yeast molecular genetics are encouraged to contact us. Laboratory visits are also welcome.

Lab introduction video Japanese page

For more detailed information, please use your browser’s translation function to view the Japanese pages in English.

Research Themes

  1. Physiological significance of the structural diversity of complex sphingolipids
  2. Protection mechanisms against aberrant metabolism of membrane sphingolipids
  3. Mechanisms of action of sphingolipid signaling molecules
  4. Mechanisms underlying resistance to sphingolipid-targeted antibiotics

Members

Principal Investigator
Motohiro Tani, Professor

Students

  • Saki Sugihara (D2)
  • Syusaku Nagashima (M2)
  • Takatoshi Sudo (M2)
  • Ruka Wakamori (M1)
  • Kensei Yamanaka (B4)
  • Hiyori Asari (B4)
  • Sumire Ishikawa (B4)
  • Kanta Goto (B4)

Selected Publications

  1. Yamagata S, Sugihara S, Kawaguchi T, Matsuzaki M, Tabuchi M, and Tani M. Impairment of ribosomes and DNA biosynthesis confers resistance to inhibition of sphingolipid biosynthesis. Mol Genet Genomics. 2025, in press.
  2. Higuchi T, Sugihara S, Ishibashi Y, Kono Y, Yamauchi H, and Tani M. Cis-unsaturated sphingolipids support growth of sphingoid base-deficient yeast but impair plasma membrane integrity. FEBS Open Bio. 2025;15:1963-1976.
  3. Matsuzaki M, Koga A, Yamagata S, Kawaguchi T, and Tani M. TRS85 and LEM3 suppressor mutations rescue stress hypersensitivities caused by lack of structural diversity of complex sphingolipids in budding yeast. FEBS Journal. 2025;292:4694-4719.
  4. Kono Y, Ishibadhi Y, Fukuda S, Higuchi T, and Tani M. Simultaneous structural replacement of the sphingoid long-chain base and sterol in budding yeast. FEBS Journal. 2023;290:5605-5627.
  5. Koga A, Takayama C, Ishibashi Y, Kono Y, Matsuzaki M, and Tani M. Loss of tolerance to multiple environmental stresses due to limitation of structural diversity of complex sphingolipids. Molecular Biology of the Cell. 2022;33:ar105.
  6. Tanaka S and Tani M. Mannosylinositol phosphorylceramides and ergosterol coordinately maintain cell wall integrity in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. FEBS Journal. 2018;285:2405-2427.